Just standing by the darts board in The Transfer Tavern, when Skysports.com tell us, that Derby County manager Nigel Clough “remains optimistic” about luring Crewe defender John Brayford to Pride Park.

Clough having “worked” with the fullback, while in charge at Burton Albion and “sold” him to the League Two club last summer.

It said that the Railwaymen “have rejected” the Rams “initial” offer to prise 21-year-old Brayford away from the Alexandra Stadium, with Clough believing that a deal “will eventually be agreed” to take the defender to the Championship side.

“It is ongoing. We put a bid in a while back and Crewe’s valuation was way above ours. It always seems to be the way, a bit of to-ing and fro-ing, and I think eventually we will get an agreement suitable to all parties,” Clough is quoted as telling the Derby Evening Telegraph.

Clough also revealing that Blackpool defender Shaun Barker “remains” a “top target” for Derby and that the Rams are still “pursuing” his signing.

“He remains one of our top targets and we are pursuing it at the moment. Centre-back is not an easy position to fill,” added Clough.

So what sort of liquid refreshment fuelled this one? Is Clough really still in the hunt for Brayford and Barker? Should this rumour Fly or Die?